Mental Health Advocacy: EDEHS About Us
About
Wayne Wigham is a former professional rugby league player and a passionate advocate for mental health awareness, with over 18 years of experience delivering impactful talks across Australia. After a successful career in sports and professional roles as a teacher, firefighter, and business owner, Wayne draws on his own long-term battle with depression to share a compelling message of hope, resilience, and recovery, particularly in the context of suicide prevention. For Wayne, life became much better once he was able to access the help that he needed—a cause he sincerely believes in.
Lived Experience
Drawing on his own lived experience with depression, Wayne Wigham addresses men’s mental health struggles and advocates for suicide prevention through powerful, relatable talks that inspire courage, build resilience, and ignite the mental health awareness conversations that save lives.
From boardrooms to classrooms, communities to frontline teams, his message is as raw as it is uplifting — and it resonates with audiences long after they leave.
The Importance Of Seeking Help
Understanding firsthand the importance of seeking help, Wayne Wigham has committed himself to breaking down stigma and encouraging open conversations around mental health awareness.
As Australia’s most experienced mental health awareness speaker, Wayne has partnered with respected organisations including the Black Dog Institute, Medcast, and rural health networks throughout Australia. Now working as an independent speaker, he is driven by a clear mission: to enhance suicide prevention efforts by getting more people help — using his lived experience to inspire, educate, and support individuals and communities nationally.
Wayne's Audiences
Wayne has shared his story and sparked change with:
Corporate organisations building resilient workplace cultures that emphasize mental health awareness.
Schools supporting young people’s mental health and wellbeing, contributing to suicide prevention.
Community groups creating safe spaces for open conversation.
Frontline workers facing high-pressure, high-impact challenges daily.
Wayne's Speaking Topics
Recognising Early Signs of Mental Health Struggles.
Wayne’s Personal Journey – Resilience, Relapse, & Recovery.
The role of connection, help-seeking, and lived experience.
Men’s Mental Health & Suicide Prevention.
Creating safe spaces for real conversations & Breaking Down the Stigma.